Starting at the Library, stroll through downtown Redwood City with fellow RCLF supporters and enjoy libations at many different establishments. Each pub will feature two banned books and a RCLF volunteer to answer questions and celebrate with you and your group. Your ticket will entitle you to discounted drinks at the locations marked with a secret chalk logo.
Please drink responsibly and taste on a full stomach. We open check-in one hour before the event so you can grab a bite at one of our great restaurants before heading out. Plan for a safe ride home.
Banned Books Week (October 1-7) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
We have 17 pubs and restaurants featuring special libations and small snacks. Start planning your route.
Alhambra Irish House – A pub and a restaurant paying homage to seasonal Irish pub cuisine. Experience true Irish hospitality.
Angelica’s – A family-owned restaurant creating vibrant California cuisine dishes and drinks with a Latin flair, proudly serving Redwood City since 2006.
Banned Book Headquarters – A hidden spot open just for the pub crawl, serving a free glass of wine.
Blacksmith – An upscale dive where friends meet up and order the usual. Signature drinks and friendly service in an open-hearth space inspired by Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans.
The Bottleshop – A wine bar that feels like home, except with a Michelin star-trained chef and over 250 wines from the top small producers around the globe.
CRU – A wine bar with an intriguing selection of artisan wines available by the glass or bottle, along with a European-style café menu that includes charcuterie and more.
City Pub – A family restaurant featuring good pub grub with 24 micro-brewed beers and 10 wines on tap. Lots of dog-friendly patio seating.
Ghostwood Kitchen – The Cheers for families – they pour an assortment of their award-winning IPAs, lagers, and porters, paired with a curated list of bar-friendly menu items including cheese curds.
Gourmet Haus Staudt – A slice of Germany in Redwood City. Always considered a bar before a restaurant, it has a thoughtfully selected German and Craft Beer line-up with a varied German menu.
Hidden Tap and Barrel – A new addition to Redwood City serving craft beers and classy cocktails. It’s always fun with a drink or two.
The Hub Bar and Café – New Zealand inspired food served in a 1930’s character brick building providing a unique experience to eat, drink, or just make friends.
Little Green Plant Bar – An interactive retail space where community comes together to plant, shop, enjoy the coffee bar, and support artisan small businesses offering a non-alcoholic option.
LV Mar – Tapas and cocktails with innovative flavor profiles. Savor, Share, Enjoy – a transcendent dining experience in the heart of Redwood City
Nighthawk – A novel contemporary classic bar – mixing these ideas into a refreshingly memorable experience with innovative drinks.
Quinto Sol – A family restaurant serving the best of Cocina Barroca Poblana cuisine from the city and state of Puebla, Mexico. Bringing the family back to the table.
Sandwich Spot – A hip and happening place with 43 choices of deli sandwiches, beer, and wine. There is nighttime hookah and karaoke.
Vino Santo – Comprehensive European fare prepared fresh daily by Executive Chef/Owner Odon Ecegueda, which you can pair with the perfect wine or seasonal cocktail.
